On this page you will find pictures and videos from all the amazing activities around our school that showcases our students' learning.

There is Something Amazing Happening Here at The Hive

Read Across America Day!

PAC Sponsored Painting with Parents Event

​Shoesmith's Learn-a-palooza: ​Family Learning Night

4th Grade Science Fair

Shoesmith's African American Wax Museum

Career Day

Winter Assembly - Our Community

Shoesmith's Choir Performances

Award's Ceremonies

Shoesmith's Parade of Characters

Shoesmith's Soccer Teams

PBS (Positive Behavior Systems) Stations

Kenwood's Drumline Performance During Shoesmith's Homecoming Week

G.O.A.L ​What is G.O.A.L.? Formerly StreetHawks, G.O.A.L. introduces hockey at the grassroots level to kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity to try hockey. The program brings hockey to schools, community centers and other places where kids can play in safe, structured environments. To make the game more accessible, the Blackhawks provide equipment, tips on how to grow the program and instruction from youth hockey coaches. The skills that youth learn through sports like hockey—teamwork, focus, the value of hard work, practice and perseverance—will benefit them in school today, in college tomorrow and throughout their lives.

Celebrations Students in kindergarten and first grade have recently celebrated the 100th day of school and Dr. Seuss' birthday! These fun days include themed learning and projects for our young students to engage in.

Spring is in Full Bloom Here at ShoesmithKindergarten through 2nd grade classrooms are housing little creatures as they explore, first-hand, the life cycles of living organisms. Mrs. Richard's class is hatching little chicks while Mrs. Hobson's class and Mr. Plefka's class have tadpoles that will transform into frogs. All kindergarten through 2nd grade classrooms also have butterfly kits to watch their crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies!

4th Grade Trip to the University of ChicagoShoesmith fourth graders were recently hosted by Dr. Stephanie Palmer and her graduate students at the University of Chicago. Students spent the morning immersed in the world of neuroscience. They engaged in experiments that provided them an opportunity to dissect a cockroach, explore sensory neurons of a cockroach, and investigate motor neurons in their own body. They also got the opportunity to touch a human brain and the brains of several other animals. The fun didn't end in the lab; students finished their visit to the University of Chicago by eating lunch at Reynolds Hall and exploring the Oriental Institute Museum. A wonderful time was had by all! We are very appreciative to Dr. Palmer and her graduate students for sharing their time, expertise, and resources. We look forward to working with them again!

College Week Shoesmith students engaged in many activities throughout the week to help inform them about college. This included videos, trivia, informational text, and motivational and informational posters hung around the school. Students dressed up all week to support the colleges of their choice. The buzz around our school was motivating our students to seek out more information about options for their futures.

Black History Assembly- Young, Black and GiftedShoesmith students, staff, families, and community members came together for a very inspirational celebration of African American history and culture. Students from all grade levels presented information through skits, speeches, song and dance as we took a journey through the lives of influential people who have positively contributed to our world.

Family Math NightA successful night full of math fun! Students and their families engaged in fun math activities, received materials to be used at home, enjoyed math contests and raffles, and enjoyed some great treats. Also, parents participated in workshops to better understand newer math strategies to help their child at home.

Kindergarten's International Fest 2014This year the Shoesmith Kindergarten took a journey around the world by investigating different countries through a research and writing Project. In class we learned about what characteristics make different countries special. We also learned what school, play, and routines are like in other countries for elementary students. Kindergartners chose a focus country and became experts on the customs, culture, and traditions of that country. Our journey culminated in a poster board presentation, and international festival in room 100 with family, friends, and community members. Students displayed their work as guests sampled international cuisines courtesy of The Nile and Medici restaurants.

Rockin' Around the Holidays- Winter AssemblyShoesmith students from all grades helped celebrate the holiday season with vibrant, creative performances. Performances included dance, poetry, singing, and various instruments. Our 6th grade MCs ran the show by teaching us about different holiday traditions around the world.

First Quarter Awards CeremonyStudents were honored at our awards ceremony for Honor Roll (All As and Bs on first quarter's report card), Good Citizenship, Perfect Attendance, and Star Reader Award.

A Trip to the Apple Orchard The 1st and 2nd grade classrooms took a trip to the apple orchard to learn about the wonderful activities that come with the season of Fall. They learn about bee pollination and pressing apples to make apple cider. Students even took a tractor ride out to the orchard to pick their very own apples!

Keeping Cool with Buddy Reading Students from Mrs. Jochum's 4th grade class took a break from the heat and visited Ms. Keine's 2nd grade class to share some texts from their human body unit. During this time, students worked on asking questions to one another while they read to check for understanding.

Teaching PBS ExpectationsStudents participated in mini-lessons taught by the 6th graders to learn the '3 Bees' expectations in all common areas in the school.

PTO's Ice Cream Social To kick off our school year, we invited families to enjoy some delicious ice cream to meet and greet teachers, staff members, and other families of Shoesmith while keeping cool in the heat!